Each month, Rep. Sam Garrison, whose District 18 includes Clay County, will provide updates on proposed and passed bills that affect the county.

The past two years have reinforced the importance of taking care of our friends and neighbors, especially seniors and those battling mental illness. In this last installment of our 2022 budget review, I am proud to highlight multiple ways that Tallahassee is supporting our area in these critical areas.

We were able to secure $225,000 in this year’s State budget for Clay County seniors via Clay County Senior Services of Aging True (HB 2981). This money will help with necessary life, health, and safety improvements to the County’s senior centers so that our elderly citizens can remain independent, in their homes, and the community.

In addition, there’s $500,000 for the Crisis Prevention Teams of Clay Behavioral Health (HB 2983). This project provides increased care for individuals with serious mental illnesses in our county. Crisis Prevention Teams give evidence-based, trauma-informed care and do it in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Prompt care and attention reduce the need for more costly and restrictive services down the road and provide immediate help to families in crisis.

Another community highlight is the Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) receiving $250,00 for their Holocaust Survivor Services (HB 3981). JFCS provides culturally relevant support, including financial and medication assistance, and care management to one hundred aged Florida Holocaust Survivors living in poverty. These services meet basic needs, improve physical and mental health, and help these survivors maintain independence and avoid premature institutionalization. It is the very least we can do to support those who have endured so much.

As always, thank you for the honor of representing Clay County in the Florida House.

(To reach Rep. Garrison, email him at sam.garrison@myfloridahouse.gov or call his Orange Park office at (904) 278-5761.)